L'astronaute

"Jim?"

I attended the film premiere at Cairo International Film Festival. Among genuinly engaged audience I had a great time. A straightforward challenge story by classic elements is put in a sublime narrative.

Very good cast and the acting was spot on. Great achievement in production design. I really liked the connections between Jim and everyone around him, family, friends and co-workers. It looked sincere and meaningful. All the tiwsts and turns came out the right way with very good directing.

The film had the biggest standing ovation I've witnessed in this round of the festival. Bravo Nicolas and all the crew.

The cast were great. Good acting and emotive subtitles. The story was simple and if you can get past the completely unrealistic plot and concentrate on the message it's an ok way to past the time. Nothing much happens. That's the film's problem. And what does happen is just not realistic. But I guess we don't always have to have realism in a film. I wouldn't recommend anyone go see this, it's not a must see movie, but for what it was, a film about a man perusing his dream in order to fulfil his grandfathers, then it's ok. But would have liked to have seen this cast with a more meaty script and a much more involved story. P. S. The 'love interest' looks like Sinhead O'Connor on a very bad dress down relapse day. 1 out of 10 for wardrobe in this one.

Unfulfilled dream, impossible and unrealistic story - but beautifully told.

Through the whole film I was on the edge of my seat, because the story grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let you go till the very end. I felt fully invested in this film and the music score helps a lot with building the right atmosphere. Also although I am no expert in space technology, I felt that all of the tech-talk, tools and space ships materials etc. Felt realistic and because of that it actually became quite believable. And I must admit I actually shed a tear in the end because of how moving and touching it was.

I can imagine this story being made into a Hollywood blockbuster or even a comedy, but director Nicolas Giraud lends this picture an intimate and modest, yet elaborate feel.

As a benefit I must also mention a great performance by Mathieu Kassovitz in the supporting role.

It actually became one of my favourite movies of the year.

"Nicolas Giraud sends his main character into space - and us along".

Here is the kind of movie that the world needs these days.

This movie is a reminder that dreaming is not only about escaping reality (as has seemed to be the trend in these last years' movies), rather first and foremost it is about helping think up the reality of tomorrow.

And this is why you have to admire its single-minded pursuit of realism and scientific credibility. No CGIs here, everything is for real : the rocket engine lent by Ariane Group, the rocket's outer plating as would a passionate hobbyist do it, the software - no beeping sound out of the computers here, and for who has been educated in science, it's oh so refreshing.

"Nicolas Giraud sends his main character into space - and us along". And for less than $ 4 million ! Which is a tour de force almost as worthy as the one the story tells.

But far from scientific dryness, it's also a movie that cares deeply about its characters and their relationships, as did the director's previous effort, as even the last scene shows (not spoiling it).

The actors are all in tune and fully believe in the story. Mathieu Kassovitz' mentoring figure welcomingly strays from the kind of role he's known for. The director also plays the main character, in a way that puts to the forefront the obsession that drives him - and the whole movie - despite the risks of the endeavour.

This movie shows some beautiful images, best seen in a movie theater. The scenario holds up very well. The music adds to the poetry of it all. And no, contrary to what I feared beforehands, the trailer does not show everything, far from it.

I think this is a very good movie. A movie that most probably will trigger aspirations in the youngest among us. A movie that challenges you to go where only you can go. A movie that reminds that our dreams harbor the very essence of our self, of where we come from, and invites us to share them around us.

A movie you'll leave with stars in the eyes.

I really liked the underlying sentiment to this film. It takes one of the most complex of scientific subjects and humanises it. This is not a film about gizmos and gadgets, there is precious little (if any) CGI. It is all essentially a love story. Not between two people, but between "Jim" (Nicolas Giraud) and his passion - going into space. His character is normal, poorly funded and maybe not the best at collaborating, but as he and "Alexandre" (Mathieu Kassovitz) gradually start to realise that the unattainable might, actually, be attainable then they - alongside what can only be described as a truly collegiate community effort - strive to try to make it work. I know absolutely nothing about rocket science, so I cannot comment with any authority on the science that underpins this, but the whole thing has a genuine authenticity to it. It's fun. Thats not meant to sound trite - it's not a laugh-a-minute; it's a story about people who galvanise each other and share in the goal - even if they haven't really much clue what's going on. Hélène Vincent turns in a strong performance as the long-suffering "Odette" and a generally engaging ensemble cast contribute well to something here that is enjoyable to watch and that ought to send a clear signal to Hollywood (and elsewhere) that it's not all about the money and the visual effects - but about the strength of the writing and the characterisation. Maybe don't show it to your kids, though, or your garden may quickly turn into "Mos Eisley" spaceport!